by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Bonanza entered its seventh season, minus Pernell Roberts but still as popular as ever, with the September 12, 1965 episode "The Debt." Guest stars Tommy Sands and Brooke Bundy are cast as Wiley and Annie Kane, determined to pay off a debt incurred by their no-good father Sam (Ford Rainey), thereby restoring their family's good name. To that end, the siblings go to work for Ben Cartwright, from whom Sam Kane swindled a considerable sum before his reported demise. But when Annie finds out that Sam is still alive, she forgets all about family honor and reverts to her father's old tricks. "The Debt" was written by William Blinn.